Fine French First Empire Senior Officer’s Saber

Description

Styled after the Mameluke sabers which gained popularity during the Napoleonic era, this fine saber features gilt hilt with recurved quillons, pointed double langets, and long curved pommel; checkered one-piece black composite grip (tight 1” crack on reverse). Deeply curved 30 3/4” (78 cm) single-edged blade with broad single fuller extending to within 3” of the point; the upper third blued and gilt with engraved floral decoration and stands of arms and the initials “SH” on the ricasso. Original wood scabbard with black leather covering and beautiful gilt brass mounts decorated with classical shell motif, including twin carry rings. Beautiful sword in very good condition, the guard slightly loose; leather on scabbard flaking and missing small pieces. Overall length 36 1/4” (92 cm), not including scabbard.